Bowen
Island, British Columbia

Bowen
Island is located 12 miles Northwest of Vancouver in the
entrance to Howe Sound. It is a short, relaxing, 20-minute
ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver. Since the
early 1900ís Bowen has been a favourite destination for
Vancouverites looking for a quiet retreat or a place to
get together with friends.

Bowen
Island is also a popular destination for boaters who experience
sheltered bays and safe anchorage, salmon fishing, dive
sites and clean swimming beaches. Bowen is a two hour journey
for boaters leaving Vancouver and running at about seven
knots.

The
islandís total size is 20 square miles or 12,500 acres.
More than 1/3 is Crown land and 650 acres is parkland. Its
coastline covers 23 miles with several public beaches available
for swimming and beachcombing, interesting dives sites and
kayaking destinations. Bowen has one of the mildest climates
in Canada. Visitors will find several picnic grounds, restaurants,
pubs, coffee shops, stores and gift shops to explore in
Snug Cove near the ferry dock and two new commercial areas
with shops and services are located a short walking distance
above Snug Cove. Mariners will find two marinas. Visitors
can also access many fine accommodations on Bowen for extended
stays (no overnight camping or trailer parking is permitted
on the island). Bowen is the first island municipality in
the Islands Trust with an RCMP detachment, an elementary
school, a middle school, a BC ambulance station and a volunteer
fire department. The island is the permanent home of approximately
3,500 people. Over 400 artists and writers live on the island
providing a strong arts community.